Small but built to last

PETALING JAYA: Diminutive winger Faisal Halim does not want his first game to be his last in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

The 23-year-old, who stands at only 1.6m (5’2”), missed the first three games because he was under quarantine after testing Covid-19 positive but he is hoping to play when Malaysia take on Indonesia in a do-or-die match at the Singapore National Stadium tomorrow.

If he gets picked, he will ensure that it will not be a tournament to forget for him.

Malaysia have to beat Indonesia to qualify for the semi-finals.

“I don’t want my stay in Singapore to be short-lived. I did not come here to sit for 10, 11 or 12 days to avoid football,” said Faisal, who did not play against Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

“I’m here because I want to help our nation do well in this tournament. Missing three games was tough to take.

“I didn’t want this to happen, but I guess this is faith, and I’ve to accept it with an open heart. Now that I’m available, I’ll give my all. Physically and mentally, I’m at 100%.

“The AFF Suzuki Cup is the best platform for me to show what I can do in high-level international games. I’m ready for any role, whether as a first XI player or substitute.

“The game against Indonesia will not be our final game here. We did not leave our wives, kids and loved ones for more than a month just to have a short stay here.

“We want to make the people of Malaysia proud by getting a win against the Indonesians.”

Malaysia have made life difficult for themselves after dropping to third in Group B with six points from three matches after losing 0-3 to Vietnam.

Indonesia are top of the group with seven points, separated only by goal difference with Vietnam. The Indonesians just need a draw against Malaysia to get to the last four.

“Indonesia played differently with Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. We don’t know which Indonesia we’re going to face on Sunday,” said Faisal.

“But we’ll find ways to break them.”